Italian Tenor Pavarotti Hospitalized

Italian opera star Luciano Pavarotti has been hospitalized for medical tests in his hometown in northern Italy.

A spokesman for the Modena Polyclinic says Pavarotti was admitted earlier this week. The hospital is to issue a statement later Thursday.

The 71-year-old underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer last year. The illness forced him to cancel his 2006 farewell opera tour.

The beloved classical singer has impressed opera aficionados with his tenor voice, performing challenging works in nearly every major opera and concert hall around the world.

He has also won fans with his warm personality off the stage. Throughout his career, Pavarotti has used his celebrity to raise millions of dollars for the U.N. refugee agency and other charitable causes.